So... you'd like to be a (better) model - Part 2

On the first part of this post, I asked the opinion of a highly experienced model. This time, I thought that a stylist's opinion could also be useful to you.

I've been working with Catarina F. Pinto for quite a while now and despite the work we are already developing with KAEOT, she has some clothing related insights to share with you.

If the model is having a photoshoot and there's no production team, she will need to take care of her own styling. What would you recommend?

It all depends on what results you expect from the shooting. If the model wants to update the book, the best thing to do is to talk with the booker and the photographer, to figure out what type of photos will be made (and then choose the clothes accordingly). If they are going for natural looks, the best thing to do is to pick basics, like the classic jeans or black pants, black or white t-shirts/tops or even underwear (once again, neutral colors).

When the model has a casting to go to, they'll probably want to cause a good impression. But that doesn't mean they have to over do their look. So what would you recommend for castings?

The purpose of a casting is to allow the client to see the model's body and face. So, loose and large clothes won't help and can send a wrong message. That said, and knowing that showing their personality is of the utmost importance, I always advise going for fitted clothes with neutral tones, that at the same time, can show a bit of the model's character. Practical example: a model can dress some black pants and a black top and then a jacket over it (they can go for a biker type, if they wanna convey a more rocker look, or a blazer if they wanna show a more mature look, or even a long coat, which can give them a more confident look).

When it comes to handbags or purses, the brand shouldn't be visible (if you're doing a casting for Chanel, walking in with a Louis Vitton logo on your handbag, will not cause a very good impression).

Then, they can always mix their outfit with some accessories of the current season, which can also be a great topic to engage a conversation with the client and also, a chance for the models to show their knowledge about the industry. A very current example would be a fur pom-pom holding on their bag, which was something seen in many of the recent Fall/Winter shows. Or, for this season, a bandana, which has been a must in streetstyle across the world. With a bandana they can also explore their creativity, considering that there several ways to use it - as a scarf, on the hair, on the wrist, as a belt...

What about other general tips or items that a model should always keep in mind?

This goes both for boys and girls: use neutral colored underwear!! (skin toned, white or black), being for casting or shootings. If you have them without seams, even better! Usually, no one wants to see them under the clothes they'll be wearing.

Girls: ALWAYS carry a pair of (black) high heels in your bag. It's essential for castings and useful in pretty much any situation.

Smokers: if you are wearing clothes from the production, you should always ask if you can smoke with those clothes on or if you need to change back to your own.